Power converter

ABSTRACT

A power converter for a three-phase electric rotary machine including first and second winding sets includes: first and second inverters corresponding to the first and second winding sets, respectively; and a control unit including a command calculation unit that calculates first and second voltage command values related to voltages to be applied to the first and second winding sets, and an excess correction unit that corrects first and second voltage command corresponding values corresponding to the first and second voltage command values. When one of the first and second voltage command corresponding values exceeds a limitation value which is set in accordance with a voltage capable of being outputted, the excess correction unit performs an excess correction process for correcting the other of the first and second voltage command corresponding values in accordance with an excess amount over the limitation value.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a power converter.

BACKGROUND

There has hitherto been known a motor drive device for driving amulti-winding motor including a plurality winding sets. For example, inPatent Literature 1, a fifth-order higher harmonic wave and aseventh-order higher harmonic wave are superimposed to lower a voltagepeak so as to suppress torque ripple.

In Patent Literature 1, a current phase needs to be obtained so as toperform correction by use of the fifth-order and seventh-order higherharmonic wave components, leading to a relatively large calculationload. Further, in the process of calculating the fifth-order andseventh-order higher harmonic wave components, a calculation error mayoccur. Thus, there is a possibility that torque ripple cannot becontrolled appropriately due to the calculation error.

Patent Literature 1: JP-2014-121189-A

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a power convertercapable of improving a voltage utilization rate while minimizing currentripple.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a power converter, forconverting electric power of a three-phase electric rotary machineincluding a first winding set and a second winding set, includes: afirst inverter corresponding to the first winding set; a second invertercorresponding to the second winding set; and a control unit including acommand calculation unit that calculates a first voltage command valuerelated to a voltage to be applied to the first winding set and a secondvoltage command value related to a voltage to be applied to the secondwinding set, and an excess correction unit that corrects a first voltagecommand corresponding value corresponding to the first voltage commandvalue and a second voltage command corresponding value corresponding tothe second voltage command value. When one of the first voltage commandcorresponding value and the second voltage command corresponding valueexceeds a limitation value, which is set in accordance with a voltagecapable of being outputted, the excess correction unit performs anexcess correction process for correcting the other of the first voltagecommand corresponding value and the second voltage command correspondingvalue in accordance with an excess amount over the limitation value.

When one of the first voltage command corresponding value and the secondvoltage command corresponding value exceeds a limitation value which isset in accordance with a voltage that can be outputted, the excesscorrection unit performs an excess correction process for correcting theother of the first voltage command corresponding value and the secondvoltage command corresponding value in accordance with an excess amountover the limitation value. In this case, when a combination of thewinding set and the inverter is referred to as a system, in a case wherea voltage command corresponding value of one system exceeds thelimitation value which is set in accordance with a voltage that can beoutputted, the other system compensates the excess. Hence it is possibleto improve a voltage utilization rate while minimizing current ripple.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration ofan electric power steering system according to a first embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram for explaining an electric configuration ofa power converter according to the first embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a control unit according to thefirst embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a voltage control process accordingto the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an excess correction processaccording to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a first neutral-point voltage changevalue according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a first upper-lower limit limitationprocessing value according to the first embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a first excess amount according tothe first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a first correction amount accordingto the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second neutral-point voltagechange value according to the first embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a second upper-lower limitlimitation processing value according to the first embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a second excess amount according tothe first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a second correction amount accordingto the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams for explaining a first excess correctionvalue according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams for explaining a second excess correctionvalue according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram for explaining an electric configuration ofa power converter according to a second embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining an excess correction processaccording to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the excess correction processaccording to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a first neutral-point voltage changevalue according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a first upper-lower limit limitationprocessing value according to the second embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a first excess amount according tothe second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a first phase conversion amountaccording to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a second neutral-point voltagechange value according to the second embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a second upper-lower limitlimitation processing value according to the second embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a second excess amount according tothe second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining a second phase conversion amountaccording to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a second correction amount accordingto the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 28A and 28B are diagrams for explaining a first excess correctionvalue according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining a first correction amount accordingto the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 30A and 30B are diagrams for explaining a second excess correctionvalue according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a block diagram for explaining a control unit according to athird embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32 is a block diagram for explaining a current correction valuecalculation unit according to the third embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 33 is a diagram for explaining a control unit according to a fourthembodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, a power converter according to the present disclosure isdescribed on the basis of the drawings. In a plurality of embodimentsbelow, substantially the same configurations are provided with the samenumeral, and a repeated description thereof is omitted.

First Embodiment

A power converter according to the first embodiment of the presentdisclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. A powerconverter 1 of the present embodiment is applied to an electric powersteering device 5 for assisting steering operation by a driver alongwith a motor 80 as an electric rotary machine. FIG. 1 shows a wholeconfiguration of a steering system 90 including the electric powersteering device 5. The steering system 90 includes a steering wheel 91as a steering member, a steering shaft 92, a pinion gear 96, a rackshaft 97, a pair of wheels 98, the electric power steering device 5, andthe like.

The steering wheel 91 is connected with the steering shaft 92. Thesteering shaft 92 is provided with a torque sensor 94 for detectingsteering torque that is inputted by the driver operating the steeringwheel 91. The pinion gear 96 is provided at the tip of the steeringshaft 92 and meshes with the rack shaft 97. The wheels 98 are coupled tothe respective ends of the rack shaft 97 through a tie rod or the like.

When the driver rotates the steering wheel 91, the steering shaft 92connected to the steering wheel 91 is rotated. The pinion gear 96converts the rotational motion of the steering shaft 92 to linear motionof the rack shaft 97, and the pair of wheels 98 is steered at an anglecorresponding to a displacement amount of the rack shaft 97.

The electric power steering device 5 includes: the motor 80 foroutputting assistance torque that assists steering of the steering wheel91 by the driver; the power converter 1 used for drive control of themotor 80; a reduction gear 9 being a power transmission member thatreduces the rotation of the motor 80 and transmits the rotation to thesteering shaft 92 or the rack shaft 97; and the like.

By being supplied with power from a battery 105 (see FIG. 2) that is aDC power supply, the motor 80 is driven to normally or reversely rotatethe reduction gear 9. Hereinafter, a voltage of the battery 105 isreferred to as a power supply voltage Vb. As shown in FIG. 2, the motor80 is a three-phase blushless motor, including a rotor and stator,neither shown. The rotor is a cylindrical member, with a permanentmagnet stuck to its surface, and has magnetic poles. Winding sets 81, 82are wound on the stator. The first winding set 81 has a U1 coil 811, aV1 coil 812, and a W1 coil 813. The second winding set 82 has a U2 coil821, a V2 coil 822, and a W2 coil 823. The U1 coil 811 and the U2 coil821 are disposed in positions with phases displaced by 30[°]. This alsoapplies to the V-phase and the W-phase. Hence in the present embodiment,the first winding set 81 and the second winding set are electricallyconducted with the phases displaced by 30[°].

The power converter 1 includes a first inverter 10, a second inverter20, current detection units 17, 27, a rotation angle sensor 29, powersupply relays 31, 32, a control unit 41, and the like. The firstinverter 10 has six switching elements 11 to 16 and converts a currenttoward the first winding set 81. Hereinafter, a “switching element” isreferred to as an “SW element.” The SW elements 11 to 13 are connectedto the high potential side, and the SW elements 14 to 16 are connectedto the low potential side. A connection point of the U-phase SW elements11, 14 in pair is connected with one end of the U1 coil 811. Aconnection point of the V-phase SW elements 12, 15 in pair is connectedwith one end of the V1 coil 812. A connection point of the W-phase SWelements 13, 16 in pair is connected with one end of the W1 coil 813.

The second inverter 20 has six SW elements 21 to 26 and converts acurrent toward the second winding set 82. The SW elements 21 to 23 areconnected to the high potential side, and the SW elements 24 to 26 areconnected to the low potential side. A connection point of the U-phaseSW elements 21, 24 in pair is connected with one end of the U2 coil 821.A connection point of the V-phase SW elements 22, 25 in pair isconnected with one end of the V2 coil 822. A connection point of theW-phase SW elements 23, 26 in pair is connected with one end of the W2coil 823. Each of the SW elements 11 to 16, 21 to 26 of the presentembodiment is a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-EffectTransistor), but may be an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), athyristor, or the like. In the present embodiment, the SW elements 11 to13, 21 to 23 correspond to the “high-potential-side switching element”,and the SW elements 14 to 16, 24 to 26 correspond to the“low-potential-side switching element.”

The first current detection unit 17 has current detection elements 171,172, 173. The U1 current detection element 171 is provided on aconnection line between the connection point of the U-phase SW elements11, 14 and the U1 coil 811, and detects a current in the U1 coil 811.The V1 current detection element 172 is provided on a connection linebetween the connection point of the V-phase SW elements 12, 15 and theV1 coil 812, and detects a current in the V1 coil 812. The W1 currentdetection element 173 is provided on a connection line between theconnection point of the W-phase SW elements 13, 16 and the W1 coil 813,and detects a current in the W1 coil 813. A detection value of thecurrent flowing in the U1 coil 811 is referred to as a U1 currentdetection value Iu1. A detection value of the current flowing in the V1coil 812 is referred to as a V1 current detection value Iv1. A detectionvalue of the current flowing in the W1 coil 813 is referred to as a W1current detection value Iw1.

The second current detection unit 27 has current detection elements 271,272, 273. The U2 current detection element 271 is provided on aconnection line between the connection point of the U-phase SW elements21, 24 and the U2 coil 821, and detects a current in the U2 coil 821.The V2 current detection element 272 is provided on a connection linebetween the connection point of the V-phase SW elements 22, 25 and theV2 coil 822, and detects a current in the V2 coil 822. The W2 currentdetection element 273 is provided on a connection line between theconnection point of the W-phase SW elements 23, 26 and the W2 coil 823,and detects a current in the W2 coil 823. A detection value of thecurrent flowing in the U2 coil 821 is referred to as a U2 currentdetection value Iu2. A detection value of the current flowing in the V2coil 822 is referred to as a V2 current detection value Iv2. A detectionvalue of the current flowing in the W2 coil 823 is referred to as a W2current detection value Iw2. The current detection elements 171 to 173,271 to 273 of the present embodiment are hall elements. The rotationangle sensor 29 detects a rotation angle of the motor 80. An electricangle θ of the motor 80, detected by the rotation angle sensor 29, isoutputted to the control unit 41.

The first power supply relay 31 can cut off power supply from thebattery 105 to the first inverter 10. The second power supply relay 32can cut off power supply from the battery 105 to the second inverter 20.In the present embodiment, each of the power supply relays 31, 32 is aMOSFET similarly to the SW element 11 and the like, but may be an IGBT,a mechanical relay, or the like. Further, in the case of using theMOSFETs for the power supply relays 31, 32, it is preferable to providea reverse-connection protection relay, not shown, which is connected inseries with the power supply relays 31, 32 so as to reverse a directionof a parasitic diode in order that, when the battery 105 is erroneouslyconnected in a reverse direction, a current is prevented from flowing inthe reverse direction through the parasitic diode.

The first capacitor 33 is connected in parallel with the battery 105 andthe first inverter 10. The second capacitor 34 is connected in parallelwith the battery 105 and the second inverter 20. The capacitors 33, 34store charges, to assist power supply to the inverters 10, 20, andsuppress a noise component such as a surge current.

In the present embodiment, the first winding set 81, the first inverter10 related to conduction control for the first winding set 81, the firstcurrent detection unit 17, the first power supply relay 31, and thefirst capacitor 33 are taken as a “first system 101.” Further, thesecond winding set 82, the second inverter 20 related to conductioncontrol for the second winding set 82, the second current detection unit27, the second power supply relay 32, and the second capacitor 34 aretaken as a “second system 102.”

The control unit 41 controls the whole of the power converter 1, andincludes a microcomputer or the like which performs a variety ofcalculations. Each process by the control unit 41 may be a softwareprocess performed by running a previously stored program in a CPU, ormay be a hardware process performed by use of a dedicated electroniccircuit. The control unit 41 generates a control signal for controllingthe on-off of each of the SW elements 11 to 16, 21 to 26 on the basis ofthe steering torque acquired from the torque sensor 94 (see FIG. 1), theelectric angle θ acquired from the rotation angle sensor 29, and thelike. The generated control signal is outputted to gates of the SWelements 11 to 16, 21 to 26 through a drive circuit 35.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 41 has a three-phase to two-phaseconversion unit 51, a controller 52, a voltage limitation unit 53, atwo-phase to three-phase conversion unit 54, a modulation calculationunit 55, and the like.

The three-phase to two-phase conversion unit 51 has a first-systemthree-phase to two-phase conversion unit 511, and a second-systemthree-phase to two-phase conversion unit 512. The first-systemthree-phase to two-phase conversion unit 511 performs dq conversion onthe U1 current detection value Iu1, the V1 current detection value Iv1,and the W1 current detection value Iw1, acquired from the first currentdetection unit 17, on the basis of the electric angle θ and calculates afirst d-axis current detection value Id1 and a first q-axis currentdetection value Iq1. The second-system three-phase to two-phaseconversion unit 512 performs dq conversion on the U2 current detectionvalue Iu2, the V2 current detection value Iv2, and the W2 currentdetection value Iw2, acquired from the second current detection unit 27,on the basis of the electric angle θ and calculates a second d-axiscurrent detection value Id2 and a second q-axis current detection valueIq2.

On the basis of a d-axis current command value Id* and a q-axis currentcommand value Iq* in accordance with a torque command value, the d-axiscurrent detection values Id1, Id2, and the q-axis current detectionvalues Iq1, Iq2, the controller 52 calculates a first pre-limitationd-axis voltage command value Vd1*_a, a first pre-limitation q-axisvoltage command value Vq1*_a, a second pre-limitation d-axis voltagecommand value Vd2*_a, and a second pre-limitation q-axis voltage commandvalue Vq2*_a, by PI calculation or the like.

The voltage limitation unit 53 has a first voltage limitation unit 531and a second voltage limitation unit 532, and limits a voltage by use ofan amplitude of a d-q axis voltage. The first voltage limitation unit531 limits the first pre-limitation d-axis voltage command value Vd1*_aand the first pre-limitation q-axis voltage command value Vq1*_a, andcalculates a first d-axis voltage command value Vd1* and a first q-axisvoltage command value Vq1*. The second voltage limitation unit 532limits the second pre-limitation d-axis voltage command value Vd2*_a andthe second pre-limitation q-axis voltage command value Vq2*_a, andcalculates a second d-axis voltage command value Vd2* and a secondq-axis voltage command value Vq2*.

A voltage limitation process in the first voltage limitation unit 531will be described here with reference to FIG. 4. A process in the secondvoltage limitation unit 532 is similar to the process in the firstvoltage limitation unit 531, and hence a description thereof is omitted.A voltage vector with a d-axis component being the first pre-limitationd-axis voltage command value Vd1*_a and with a q-axis component beingthe first pre-limitation q-axis voltage command value Vq1*_a is referredto as a first pre-limitation voltage vector A1_a. When the magnitude ofthe first pre-limitation voltage vector A1_a is not larger than anamplitude limitation value V_lim, the first pre-limitation d-axisvoltage command value Vd1*_a is set to the first d-axis voltage commandvalue Vd1*, and the first pre-limitation q-axis voltage command valueVq1*_a is set to the first q-axis voltage command value Vq1*. Further,as shown in FIG. 4, when the magnitude of the first pre-limitationvoltage vector A1_a is larger than the amplitude limitation value V_lim,the first pre-limitation d-axis voltage command value Vd1*_a is set tothe first d-axis voltage command value Vd1*, and the q-axis component islimited such that the voltage vector A1 after limitation reaches theamplitude limitation value V_lim, and the obtained value is set to thefirst q-axis voltage command value Vq1*.

The amplitude limitation value V_lim at d-q axis coordinates iscalculated by Formula (1). For example, when the power supply voltage Vbis set to 12[V] and a duty maximum value D max is set to 103.5[%], theamplitude limitation value V_lim is about 8.87[V]. In the case of notperforming an excess correction process which is described later, theduty maximum value D max is 100[%], and the amplitude limitation valueV_lim is about 8.49[V].

V_lim=Vb×(√2)×D max/100  (1)

The duty maximum value D max is previously set by calculation performedoff line such that the value becomes a value that can be outputted whenthe excess correction process described later is performed. In thepresent embodiment, the current detection elements 171 to 173, 271 to273 are taken as the hall elements and the currents in the winding sets81, 82 are directly detected, and the duty is usable up to 100[%]. Whenthe current is detected using a shunt resistor as in a second embodimentdescribed later, the duty is usable only up to a predetermined maximumduty width (e.g., 93[%]). In that case, the duty maximum value D max isa value obtained by multiplying the predetermined maximum duty width by103.5[%], and the amplitude limitation value V_lim is also a differentvalue.

The two-phase to three-phase conversion unit 54 has a first-systemtwo-phase to three-phase conversion unit 541, and a second-systemtwo-phase to three-phase conversion unit 542. The first-system two-phaseto three-phase conversion unit 541 performs reverse dq conversion on thefirst d-axis voltage command value Vd1* and the first q-axis voltagecommand value Vq1* on the basis of the electric angle θ, and calculatesa U1 voltage detection value Vu1*, a V1 voltage detection value Vv1*,and a W1 voltage detection value Vw1*. The second-system two-phase tothree-phase conversion unit 542 performs reverse dq conversion on thesecond d-axis voltage command value Vd2* and the second q-axis voltagecommand value Vq2* on the basis of the electric angle θ, and calculatesa U2 voltage command value Vu2*, a V2 voltage command value Vv2*, and aW2 voltage command value Vw2*.

Hereinafter, the U1 voltage command value Vu1*, the V1 voltage commandvalue Vv1*, and the W1 voltage command value Vw1* are appropriatelyreferred to as “(first) voltage command values Vu1*, Vv1*, Vw1*. The U2voltage command value Vu2*, the V2 voltage command value Vv2*, and theW2 voltage command value Vw2* are appropriately referred to as “(second)voltage command values Vu2*, Vv2*, Vw2*.

The modulation calculation unit 55 calculates duty command values Du1,Dv1, Dw1, Du2, Dv2, Dw2 on the basis of the voltage command values Vu1*,Vv1*, Vw1*, Vu2*, Vv2*, Vw2*. The duty command values Du1, Dv1, Dw1,Du2, Dv2, Dw2 are outputted to the inverters 10, 20 through the drivecircuit 35 (not shown in FIG. 3).

The modulation calculation unit 55 has a duty conversion unit 551 and anexcess correction unit 552. The duty conversion unit 551 performs dutyconversion on the first voltage command values Vu1*, Vv1*, Vw1* andcalculates first duty conversion values Du1_c, Dv1_c, Dw1_c. Further,the duty conversion unit 551 performs duty conversion on the secondvoltage command values Vu2*, Vv2*, Vw2* and calculates second dutyconversion values Du2_c, Dv2_c, Dw2_c. The excess correction unit 552performs an excess correction process in which, the excess over alimitation value of the voltage that can be outputted from the firstsystem 101 is compensated in the second system 102 side, and the excessover a limitation value of the voltage that can be outputted from thesecond system 102 is compensated in the first system 101 side. Thisprocess enhances the voltage utilization rate.

The excess correction process of the present embodiment will bedescribed with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 5. The excesscorrection process of the present embodiment is performed by the excesscorrection unit 552. In Step S101, the excess correction unit 552decides a maximum duty Max D1 that is the largest of the first dutyconversion values Du1_c, Dv1_c, Dw1_c obtained by performing the dutyconversion on the first voltage command values Vu1*, Vv1*, Vw1*.Hereinafter, “Step” in “Step S101” is omitted and “S101” is put down.This also applies to the other steps.

In S102, the excess correction unit 552 decides a minimum duty Min D1that is the smallest of the first duty conversion values Du1_c, Dv1_c,Dw1_c. In S103, the excess correction unit 552 decides an intermediateduty MidD1. The intermediate duty MidD1 is expressed by Formula (2). InFormula (2), “150” represents that, when a center value of each phaseduty is 50[%], a sum of the three phase duties is 150. This also appliesto Formula (6).

MidD1=150−Max D1−Min D1  (2)

In S104, the excess correction unit 552 calculates first neutral-pointvoltage change values Du1_ca 11, Dv1_ca 11, Dw1_ca 11. The firstneutral-point voltage change values Du1_ca 11, Dv1_ca 11, Dw1_ca 11 arecalculated by Formulas (3-1), (3-2), (3-3), respectively. In thecalculation process here, the neutral-point voltage is changed by makingthe maximum and minimum duties equal. Even when the neutral-pointvoltage is changed, it does not affect the drive of the motor 80 unlessa line voltage is changed. The first neutral-point voltage change valuesDu1_ca 11, Dv1_ca 11, Dw1_ca 11 are as shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, avalue related to the U-phase is indicated by a solid line, a valuerelated to the V-phase is indicated by a broken line, and a valuerelated to the W-phase is indicated by a dashed line. This also appliesto the other drawings described later.

Du1_ca11=Du1_c−MidD1×0.5+50  (3-1)

Dv1_ca11=Dv1_c−MidD1×0.5+50  (3-2)

Dw1_ca11=Dw1_c−MidD1×0.5+50  (3-3)

In S105, the excess correction unit 552 limits the first neutral-pointvoltage change values Du1_ca 11, Dv1_ca 11, Dw1_ca 11 so as to be withinthe range of a predetermined lower limit value RL1 to a predeterminedupper limit value RH1, and calculates first upper-lower limit limitationprocessing values Du1_ca 12, Dv1_ca 12, Dw1_ca 12. When the firstneutral-point voltage change value Du1_ca 11 is not smaller than thelower limit value RL1 and not larger than the upper limit value RH1, thefirst neutral-point voltage change value Du1_ca 11 is taken as theupper-lower limit limitation processing value Du1_ca 12. When the firstneutral-point voltage change value Du1_ca 11 is smaller than the lowerlimit value RL1, the lower limit value RL1 is set to the firstupper-lower limit limitation processing values Du1_ca 12. When the firstneutral-point voltage change value Du1_ca 11 is larger than the upperlimit value RH1, the upper limit value RH1 is set to the firstupper-lower limit limitation processing values Du1_ca 12. This alsoapplies to the first upper-lower limit limitation processing valuesDv1_ca 12, Dw1_ca 12.

The first upper-lower limit limitation processing values Du1_ca 12,Dv1_ca 12, Dw1_ca 12 are as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an example wherethe lower limit value RL1 is 0[%] and the upper limit value RH1 is100[%]. This also applies to FIG. 11 described later. The lower limitvalue RL1 and the upper limit value RH1 are arbitrarily settable. Forexample, considering the dead time, the on-time required for the currentdetection, and the like, the lower limit value RL1 may be set to 4[%]and the upper limit value RH1 may be set to 93[%].

In S106, the excess correction unit 552 calculates first excess amountsDu1_h 10, Dv1_h 10, Dw1_h 10. The first excess amounts Du1_h 10, Dv1_h10, Dw1_h 10 are amounts by which the first neutral-point voltage changevalues Du1_ca 11, Dv1_ca 11, Dw1_ca 11 exceed the lower limit value RL1or the upper limit value RH1, and are expressed by Formulas (4-1),(4-2), (4-3), respectively. Further, the first excess amounts Du1_h 10,Dv1_h 10, Dw1_h 10 are as shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 shows a modulationratio around 0[%] in an enlarged form. This also applies to FIGS. 9, 12,13, and the like.

Du1_h10=Du1_ca11−Du1_ca12  (4-1)

Dv1_h10=Dv1_ca11−Dv1_ca12  (4-2)

Dw1_h10=Dw1_ca11−Du1_ca12  (4-3)

In S107, the excess correction unit 552 calculates first correctionamounts Du1_h 11, Dv1_h 11, Dw1_h 11 that are values obtained byconverting the first excess amounts Du1_h 10, Dv1_h 10, Dw1_h 10 to thecoordinate system of the second system 102 by use of a rotation matrix.The first correction amounts Du1_h 11, Dv1_h 11, Dw1_h 11 can becalculated by performing the dq conversion on the first excess amountsDu1_h 10, Dv1_h 10, Dw1_h 10 in the coordinate system of the firstsystem 101, and performing the reverse dq conversion on the dqconversion values in the coordinate system of the second system 102. Thefirst correction amounts Du1_h 11, Dv1_h 11, Dw1_h 11 are expressed byFormulas (5-1), (5-2), (5-3), respectively.

Du1_h11=(Du1_h10−Dv1_h10)/(√3)  (5-1)

Dv1_h11=(Dv1_h10−Dw1_h10)/(√3)  (5-2)

Dw1_h11=(Dw1_h10−Du1_h10)/(√3)  (5-3)

The first correction amounts Du1_h 11, Dv1_h 11, Dw1_h 11 are as shownin FIG. 9. It is to be noted that a place denoted by “u, v” means thatDu1_h 11 and Dv1_h 11 are the same value, and lines thereof aresuperimposed. Similarly, “u, w” means that Du1_h 11 and Dw1_h 11 are thesame value, and “v, w” means that Dv1_h 11 and Dw1_h 11 are the samevalue. This also applies to FIG. 13.

In S108, the excess correction unit 552 decides a maximum duty Max D2that is the largest value in the second duty conversion values Du2_c,Dv2_c, Dw2_c obtained by performing the duty conversion on the secondvoltage command values Vu2*, Vv2*, Vw2*. In S109, the excess correctionunit 552 decides a minimum duty Min D2 that is the smallest value in thesecond duty conversion values Du2_c, Dv2_c, Dw2_c. In S110, the excesscorrection unit 552 decides an intermediate duty MidD2. The intermediateduty MidD2 is expressed by Formula (6).

MidD2=150−Max D2−Min D2  (6)

Hereinafter, a detailed description of the processing of S111 to S114 isappropriately omitted since being substantially similar to theprocessing of S104 to S107. In S111, the excess correction unit 552calculates second neutral-point voltage change values Du2_ca 11, Dv2_ca11, Dw2_ca 11. The second neutral-point voltage change values Du2_ca 11,Dv2_ca 11, Dw2_ca 11 are calculated by Formulas (7-1), (7-2), (7-3),respectively. The second neutral-point voltage change values Du2_ca 11,Dv2_ca 11, Dw2_ca 11 are as shown in FIG. 10.

Du2_ca11=Du2_c−MidD2×0.5+50  (7-1)

Dv2_ca11=Dv2_c−MidD2×0.5+50  (7-2)

Dw2_ca11=Dw2_c−MidD2×0.5+50  (7-3)

In S112, the excess correction unit 552 limits the second neutral-pointvoltage change values Du2_ca 11, Dv2_ca 11, Dw2_ca 11 so as to be withinthe range of the predetermined lower limit value RL1 to thepredetermined upper limit value RH1, and calculates second upper-lowerlimit limitation processing values Du2_ca 12, Dv2_ca 12, Dw2_ca 12. Thesecond upper-lower limit limitation processing values Du2_ca 12, Dv2_ca12, Dw2_ca 12 are as shown in FIG. 11.

In S113, the excess correction unit 552 calculates second excess amountsDu2_h 10, Dv2_h 10, Dw2_h 10. The second excess amounts Du2_h 10, Dv2_h10, Dw2_h 10 are amounts by which the second neutral-point voltagechange values Du2_ca 11, Dv2_ca 11, Dw2_ca 11 exceed the lower limitvalue RL1 or the upper limit value RH1, and are expressed by Formulas(8-1), (8-2), (8-3), respectively. Further, the second excess amountsDu2_h 10, Dv2_h 10, Dw2_h 10 are as shown in FIG. 12.

Du2_h10=Du2_ca11−Du2_ca12  (8-1)

Dv2_h10=Dv2_ca11−Dv2_ca12  (8-2)

Dw2_h10=Dw2_ca11−Du2_ca12  (8-3)

In S114, the excess correction unit 552 calculates second correctionamounts Du2_h 11, Dv2_h 11, Dw2_h 11 that are values obtained byconverting the second excess amounts Du2_h 10, Dv2_h 10, Dw2_h 10 to thecoordinate system of the first system 101 by use of a rotation matrix.The second correction amounts Du2_h 11, Dv2_h 11, Dw2_h 11 can becalculated by performing the dq conversion on the second excess amountsDu2_h 10, Dv2_h 10, Dw2_h 10 in the coordinate system of the secondsystem 102, and performing the reverse dq conversion on the dqconversion values in the coordinate system of the first system 101. Thesecond correction amounts Du2_h 11, Dv2_h 11, Dw2_h 11 are expressed byFormulas (9-1), (9-2), (9-3), respectively. Further, the secondcorrection amounts Du2_h 11, Dv2_h 11, Dw2_h 11 are as shown in FIG. 13.

Du2_h11=(Du2_h10−Dw2_h10)/(√3)  (9-1)

Dv2_h11=(Dv2_h10−Du2_h10)/(√3)  (9-2)

Dw2_h11=(Dw2_h10−Dv2_h10)/(√3)  (9-3)

The processing of S101 to S107 and the processing of S108 to S114 may beperformed in the order of the processing of S108 to S114 and theprocessing of S101 to S107, or may be performed simultaneously inparallel.

In S115, the first upper-lower limit limitation processing values Du1_ca12, Dv1_ca 12, Dw1_ca 12 are corrected by the second correction amountsDu2_h 11, Dv2_h 11, Dw2_h 11, to give first excess correction valuesDu1_ca 13, Dv1_ca 13, Dw1_ca 13. The first excess correction valuesDu1_ca 13, Dv1_ca 13, Dw1_ca 13 are expressed by Formulas (10-1),(10-2), (10-3), respectively.

Du1_ca13=Du1_ca12+Du2_h11  (10-1)

Dv1_ca13=Dv1_ca12+Dv2_h11  (10-2)

Dw1_ca13=Dw1_ca12+Dw2_h11  (10-3)

In S116, the second upper-lower limit limitation processing valuesDu2_ca 12, Dv2_ca 12, Dw2_ca 12 are corrected by the first correctionamounts Du1_h 11, Dv1_h 11, Dw1_h 11, to give second excess correctionvalues Du2_ca 13, Dv2_ca 13, Dw2_ca 13. The second excess correctionvalues Du2_ca 13, Dv2_ca 13, Dw2_ca 13 are expressed by Formulas (11-1),(11-2), (11-3), respectively.

Du2_ca13=Du2_ca12+Du1_h11  (11-1)

Dv2_ca13=Dv2_ca12+Dv1_h11  (11-2)

Dw2_ca13=Dw2_ca12+Dw1_h11  (11-3)

In the present embodiment, the excess correction values Du1_ca 13,Dv1_ca 13, Dw1_ca 13, Du2_ca 13, Dv2_ca 13, Dw2_ca 13 are outputted tothe drive circuit 35 as the duty command values Du1, Dv1, Dw1, Du2, Dv2,Dw2.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show the first excess correction values Du1_ca 13,Dv1_ca 13, Dw1_ca 13, and FIGS. 15A and 15B show the second excesscorrection values Du2_ca 13, Dv2_ca 13, Dw2_ca 13. FIG. 14A shows thewhole of the first excess correction values Du1_ca 13, Dv1_ca 13, Dw1_ca13, and FIG. 14B shows a modulation ratio around 0[%] in an enlargedform. In FIG. 14B, thin lines indicate the first upper-lower limitlimitation processing values Du1_ca 12, Dv1_ca 12, Dw1_ca 12 beforecorrected by the second correction amounts Du2_h 11, Dv2_h 11, Dw2_h 11.This also applies to FIGS. 15A and 15B.

In the present embodiment, in S104 and S111, the duty conversion valuesDu1_c, Dv1_c, Dw1_c, Du2_c, Dv2_c, Dw2_c are modulated to change theneutral-point voltage, whereby the neutral-point voltage obtained by themodulation is compared with the voltage before changed, thus enablingimprovement in voltage utilization rate. Further, as shown in FIGS. 14Aand 14B, the first excess correction values Du1_ca 13, Dv1_ca 13, Dw1_ca13 are values obtained by correcting the first upper-lower limitlimitation processing values Du1_ca 12, Dv1_ca 12, Dw1_ca 12 by thesecond correction amounts Du2_h 11, Dv2_h 11, Dw2_h 11. The secondcorrection amounts Du2_h 11, Dv2_h 11, Dw2_h 11 are values calculated inthe second system 102 on the basis of the second excess amounts Du2_h10, Dv2_h 10, Dw2_h 10 being the excess over the lower limit value RL1or the upper limit value RH1.

Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the second excess correctionvalues Du2_ca 13, Dv2_ca 13, Dw2_ca 13 are values obtained by correctingthe second upper-lower limit limitation processing values Du2_ca 12,Dv2_ca 12, Dw2_ca 12 by the first correction amounts Du1_h 11, Dv1_h 11,Dw1_h 11. The first correction amounts Du1_h 11, Dv1_h 11, Dw1_h 11 arevalues calculated in the first system 101 on the basis of the firstexcess amounts Du1_h 10, Dv1_h 10, Dw1_h 10 being the excess over thelower limit value RL1 or the upper limit value RH1. Hence it is possibleto improve the voltage utilization rate through use of a cancel windingwithout increasing torque ripple. In addition, the cancel winding of thefirst winding set 81 is the second winding set 82, and the cancelwinding of the second winding set 82 is the first winding set 81.

In the present embodiment, a voltage phase is not used in thecalculation of the correction amounts Du1_h 11, Dv1_h 11, Dw1_h 11,Du2_h 11, Dv2_h 11, Dw2_h 11, thus eliminating the need for calculationof an arc tangent (a tan). Hence it is possible to reduce a calculationload as compared with the case of performing correction by use of avalue calculated using a voltage phase such as a fifth-order higherharmonic wave, a seventh-order higher harmonic wave, or the like.Further, since the amount corresponding to the excess amount over thelower limit value or the upper limit value is corrected on the othersystem side, it is possible to minimize the current ripple. Moreover,differently from the case where the correction is performed on the basisof the fifth-order higher harmonic wave or the seventh-order higherharmonic wave, for example, a d-q axis converted duty in the firstsystem 101 and a d-q axis converted duty in the second system 102 areincreased or decreased by the same amount, thus preventing occurrence ofan error in the process of calculating the correction amount.

As described above in detail, the power converter 1 of the presentembodiment converts power of the three-phase motor 80 having the firstwinding set 81 and the second winding set 82, and includes the firstinverter 10, the second inverter 20, and the control unit 41. The firstinverter 10 is provided in correspondence with the first winding set 81.The second inverter 20 is provided in correspondence with the secondwinding set 82. The control unit 41 has the controller 52, the voltagelimitation unit 53, the two-phase to three-phase conversion unit 54, theduty conversion unit 551, and the excess correction unit 552. Thecontroller 52, the voltage limitation unit 53, and the two-phase tothree-phase conversion unit 54 calculate the first voltage commandvalues Vu1*, Vv1*, Vw1* related to a voltage to be applied to the firstwinding set 81, and the second voltage command values Vu2*, Vv2*, Vw2*related to a voltage to be applied to the second winding set 82.

The excess correction unit 552 corrects the first duty conversion valuesDu1_c, Dv1_c, Dw1_c and the second duty conversion values Du2_c, Dv2_c,Dw2_c that are values in accordance with the first voltage commandvalues Vu1*, Vv1*, Vw1*. When one of the first voltage commandcorresponding value and the second voltage command corresponding valueexceeds the lower limit value RL1 or the upper limit value RH1 which isset in accordance with a voltage that can be outputted, the excesscorrection unit 552 corrects the other of the first voltage commandcorresponding value and the second voltage command corresponding valuein accordance with the excess amounts Du1_h 10, Dv1_h 10, Dw1_h 10,Du2_h 10, Dv2_h 10, Dw2_h 10 from the lower limit value RL1 or the upperlimit value RH1.

More specifically, when the first neutral-point voltage change valuesDu1_ca 11, Dv1_ca 11, Dw1_ca 11 exceed the lower limit value RL1 or theupper limit value RH1 which is set in accordance with a voltage that canbe outputted, the excess correction unit 552 corrects the secondupper-lower limit limitation processing values Du2_ca 12, Dv2_ca 12,Dw2_ca 12 in accordance with the first excess amounts Du1_h 10, Dv1_h10, Dw1_h 10. Further, when the second neutral-point voltage changevalues Du2_ca 11, Dv2_ca 11, Dw2_ca 11 exceed the lower limit value RL1or the upper limit value RH1 which is set in accordance with a voltagethat can be outputted, the excess correction unit 552 corrects the firstupper-lower limit limitation processing values Du1_ca 12, Dv1_ca 12,Dw1_ca 12 in accordance with the second excess amounts Du2_h 10, Dv2_h10, Dw2_h 10. In the present embodiment, when the voltage commandcorresponding value of one system exceeds the lower limit value RL1 orthe upper limit value RH1 which is set in accordance with a voltage thatcan be outputted, the excess is compensated in the other system. Hence,it is possible to improve the voltage utilization rate while minimizingthe current ripple.

The excess correction unit 552 performs the excess correction process onthe neutral-point voltage change values Du1_ca 11, Dv1_ca 11, Dw1_ca 11,Du2_ca 11, Dv2_ca 11, Dw2_ca 11 obtained by changing the neutral-pointvoltage. Changing the neutral-point voltage can lead to furtherimprovement in voltage utilization rate.

The power converter 1 further includes the current detection units 17,27 for detecting a current that is allowed to pass through each phase ofthe first winding set 81 and the second winding set 82. Further, thefirst voltage command values Vu1*, Vv1*, Vw1* and the second voltagecommand values Vu2*, Vv2*, Vw2* are calculated on the basis of thecurrent detection values Iu1, Iv1, Iw1, Iu2, Iv2, Iw2 detected by thecurrent detection units 17, 27. This enables appropriate calculation ofthe voltage command values Vu1*, Vv1*, Vw1*, Vu2*, Vv2*, Vw2* by currentfeedback control.

The first voltage command values Vu1*, Vv1*, Vw1* and the second voltagecommand values Vu2*, Vv2*, Vw2* are values limited by the predeterminedamplitude limitation value V_lim so as to be values that can becorrected in accordance with the excess amounts Du1_h 10, Dv1_h 10,Dw1_h 10, Du2_h 10, Dv2_h 10, Dw2_h 10. Hence, it is possible toappropriately perform the excess correction process.

The motor 80 is used for the electric power steering device 5 andassists, by output torque, the steering of the steering wheel 91 by thedriver. In the power converter 1 of the present embodiment, since thetorque ripple is reduced, sound and vibration generated in the electricpower steering device 5 can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the controller 52, the voltage limitationunit 53, and the two-phase to three-phase conversion unit 54 correspondto the “command calculation unit”, and the lower limit value RL1 and theupper limit value RH2 correspond to the “limitation value.” Further, inthe present embodiment, the first neutral-point voltage change valuesDu1_ca 11, Dv1_ca 11, Dw1_ca 11 correspond to the “first voltage commandcorresponding value”, and the second neutral-point voltage change valuesDu2_ca 11, Dv2_ca 11, Dw2_ca 11 correspond to the “second voltagecommand corresponding value.” Moreover, correcting the first upper-lowerlimit limitation processing values Du1_ca 12, Dv1_ca 12, Dw1_ca 12 thatlimit the upper and lower limits of the first neutral-point voltagechange values Du1_ca 11, Dv1_ca 11, Dw1_ca 11 and correcting the secondupper-lower limit limitation processing values Du2_ca 12, Dv2_ca 12,Dw2_ca 12 that limit the upper and lower limits of the secondneutral-point voltage change values Du2_ca 11, Dv2_ca 11, Dw2_ca 11 areassumed to be included in the concept of “correcting the other of thefirst voltage command corresponding value and the second voltage commandcorresponding value.”

Second Embodiment

FIGS. 16 to 30 show a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 16, a power converter 2 of the present embodiment aredifferent from the power converter 1 in the first embodiment in thatcurrent detection units 18, 28 are provided in place of the currentdetection units 17, 27. The first current detection unit 18 has currentdetection elements 181, 182, 183. The U1 current detection element 181is provided between the U-phase SW element 14 and the ground, anddetects a current in the U1 coil 811. The V1 current detection element182 is provided between the V-phase SW element 15 and the ground, anddetects a current in the V1 coil 812. The W1 current detection element183 is provided between the W-phase SW element 16 and the ground, anddetects a current in the W1 coil 813.

The second current detection unit 28 has current detection elements 281,282, 283. The U2 current detection element 281 is provided between theU-phase SW element 24 and the ground, and detects a current in the U2coil 821. The V2 current detection element 282 is provided between theV-phase SW element 25 and the ground, and detects a current in the V2coil 822. The W2 current detection element 283 is provided between theW-phase SW element 26 and the ground, and detects a current in the W2coil 823. The current detection elements 181 to 183, 281 to 283 of thepresent embodiment are shunt resistors.

With the current detection elements 181 to 183 provided between the SWelements 14 to 16 and the ground, when the SW elements 14 to 16 are off,a current is not allowed to flow in the current detection elements 181to 183, and hence the current cannot be detected. This makes itnecessary to perform the current detection in a state where the allphases or two phase of the SW elements 14 to 16 are on. When the currentdetection is performed in the state where the two phases of the SWelements 14 to 16 are on, a current in the phase being off can becalculated by use of current detection values of the two phases beingon. This also applies to the current detection in the second currentdetection unit 28.

In the present embodiment, assuming the power supply voltage Vb is 12[V]and the duty maximum value D max is 100.2[%], the amplitude limitationvalue V_lim at d-q axis coordinates related to voltage limitation in thevoltage limitation unit 53 is about 8.50[V] (see Formula (1-2)). Theduty maximum value D max is a value previously set off line, similarlyto the first embodiment. In the case of not performing the excesscorrection process, when on-periods of the SW elements 14 to 16, 24 to26 required for the current detection are considered, the amplitudelimitation value V_lim is about 8.32[V] since the maximum value of theline voltage is 98[%] in duty conversion.

Further, the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment inthe excess correction process performed by the excess correction unit552. Hereinafter, a modulation method for performing modulation suchthat a duty of the smallest phase has a predetermined lower limit valueis referred to as “flatbed modulation”, and a modulation method forperforming modulation such that a duty of the largest phase has apredetermined upper limit value is referred to as “flattop modulation.”The excess correction process of the present embodiment will bedescribed with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Theprocessing of S201 to S203 in FIG. 17 is similar to the processing ofS101 to S103 in FIG. 5.

In S204, the excess correction unit 552 compares a lower all-phase-onduty PD1 with a lower two-phase-on duty PD2, the duty PD1 correspondingto an all-phase-on period P1 that is a period in which all phases of theSW elements 14 to 16 are turned on at the time of the flatbedmodulation, the duty PD2 corresponding to a two-phase-on period P2 thatis a period in which two phases of the SW elements 14 to 16 are turnedon. The lower all-phase-on duty PD1 and the lower two-phase-on duty PD2are expressed by Formulas (12-1), (12-2), respectively.

PD1=100−(Max D1−Min D1)  (12-1)

PD2=Max D1−MidD1  (12-2)

When the lower all-phase-on duty PD1 is compared with the lowertwo-phase-on duty PD2 and the lower all-phase-on duty PD1 is not smallerthan the lower two-phase-on duty PD2, the all-phase-on period P1 is notshorter than the two-phase-on period P2. Hence, it is assumed that thecurrent is detected when all phases of the SW elements 14 to 16 are onas the flatbed modulation. Further, when the lower two-phase-on duty PD2is larger than the lower all-phase-on duty PD1, the two-phase-on periodP2 is longer than the all-phase-on period P1. Hence it is assumed thatthe current is detected when two phases of the SW elements 14 to 16 areon as the flattop modulation.

When the lower all-phase-on duty PD1 is determined to be not smallerthan the lower two-phase-on duty PD2 (S204: NO), the process proceeds toS208. When the lower two-phase-on duty PD2 is determined to be largerthan the lower all-phase-on duty PD1 (S204: YES), the process proceedsto S205.

In S205, the excess correction unit 552 takes a stationary phase in thefirst system 101 as the maximum phase. When the lower two-phase-on dutyPD2 is larger than the lower all-phase-on duty PD1, the neutral-pointvoltage is changed by the flattop modulation.

In S206, the excess correction unit 552 calculates first neutral-pointvoltage change values Du1_ca 21, Dv1_ca 21, Dw1_ca 21 at the time of theflattop modulation. The neutral-point voltage change values Du1_ca 21,Dv1_ca 21, Dw1_ca 21 at the time of the flattop modulation are expressedby Formulas (13-1), (13-2), (13-3), respectively.

Du1_ca21=Du1_c−Max D1+RH2  (13-1)

Dv1_ca21=Dv1_c−Max D1+RH2  (13-2)

Dw1_ca21=Dw1_c−Max D1+RH2  (13-3)

In S207, the excess correction unit 552 limits the first neutral-pointvoltage change values Du1_ca 21, Dv1_ca 21, Dw1_ca 21 at the time of theflattop modulation so as to be within the range of a predetermined lowerlimit value RL2 to a predetermined upper limit value RH2, and calculatesfirst upper-lower limit limitation processing values Du1_ca 22, Dv1_ca22, Dw1_ca 22 at the time of the flattop modulation. A detail of theupper-lower limit limitation processing is similar to that of S105.

The lower limit value RL2 and the upper limit value RH2 are arbitrarilysettable. In the present embodiment, the lower limit value RL2 is set to2[%] with the dead time taken into account. Further, the upper limitvalue RH2 is set to 100[%] since it is assumed here that the currentdetection is performed at the timing when the two phases of the SWelements 14 to 16 are on.

In S208 in which the process proceeds when the lower all-phase-on dutyPD1 is determined to be not smaller than the lower two-phase-on duty PD2(S204: NO), the excess correction unit 552 takes the stationary phase inthe first system 101 as the minimum phase. When the lower all-phase-onduty PD1 is larger than the lower two-phase-on duty PD2, theneutral-point voltage is changed by the flatbed modulation.

In S209, the excess correction unit 552 calculates the firstneutral-point voltage change values Du1_ca 21, Dv1_ca 21, Dw1_ca 21 atthe time of the flatbed modulation. The first neutral-point voltagechange values Du1_ca 21, Dv1_ca 21, Dw1_ca 21 at the time of the flatbedmodulation are expressed by Formulas (14-1), (14-2), (14-3),respectively. The first neutral-point voltage change values Du1_ca 21,Dv1_ca 21, Dw1_ca 21 calculated in S206 or S209 are as shown in FIG. 19.

Du1_ca21=Du1_c−Min D1+RL3  (14-1)

Dv1_ca21−Dv1_c−Min D1+RL3  (14-2)

Dw1⁻ ca21=Dw1_c−Min D1+RL3  (14-3)

In S210, the excess correction unit 552 limits the first neutral-pointvoltage change values Du1_ca 21, Dv1_ca 21, Dw1_ca 21 at the time of theflatbed modulation so as to be within the range of a predetermined lowerlimit value RL3 to a predetermined upper limit value RH3, and calculatesfirst upper-lower limit limitation processing values Du1_ca 22, Dv1_ca22, Dw1_ca 22 at the time of the flatbed modulation.

The lower limit value RL3 and the upper limit value RH3 are arbitrarilysettable. In the present embodiment, the lower limit value RL3 is set to0[%]. Further, since the current detection is performed at the timingwhen all phases of the SW elements 14 to 16 are on, the upper limitvalue RH3 is set to 93[%] in consideration of the time required forturning on all phases of the SW elements 14 to 16 and converging theringing of currents in the current detection elements 181 to 183, andthe like. The first upper-lower limit limitation processing valuesDu1_ca 22, Dv1_ca 22, Dw1_ca 22 calculated in S207 or S210 are as shownin FIG. 20.

In S211 to which the process proceeds from S207, the excess correctionunit 552 calculates first excess amounts Du1_h 20, Dv1_h 20, Dw1_h 20.The first excess amounts Du1_h 20, Dv1_h 20, Dw1_h 20 are amounts bywhich the first neutral-point voltage change values Du1_ca 21, Dv1_ca21, Dw1_ca 21 exceed the lower limit value RL2 or the upper limit valueRH2, and are expressed by Formulas (15-1), (15-2), (15-3), respectively.

Du1_h20=Du1_ca21−Du1_ca22  (15-1)

Dv1_h20=Dv1_ca21−Dv1_ca22  (15-2)

Dw1_h20=Dw1_ca21−Du1_ca22  (15-3)

In S212, the excess correction unit 552 calculates first phaseconversion amounts Du1_h 21, Dv1_h 21, Dw1_h 21 that are values obtainedby converting the first excess amounts Du1_h 20, Dv1_h 20, Dw1_h 20 tothe coordinate system of the second system 102 by use of a rotationmatrix. The first phase conversion amounts Du1_h 21, Dv1_h 21, Dw1_h 21can be calculated by performing the dq conversion on the first excessamounts Du1_h 20, Dv1_h 20, Dw1_h 20 in the coordinate system of thefirst system 101, and performing the reverse dq conversion on the dqconversion values in the coordinate system of the second system 102. Thefirst phase conversion amounts Du1_h 21, Dv1_h 21, Dw1_h 21 areexpressed by Formulas (16-1), (16-2), (16-3), respectively.

Du1_h21=(Du1_h20−Dv1_h20)/(√3)  (16-1)

Dv1_h21=(Dv1_h20−Dw1_h20)/(√3)  (16-2)

Dw1_h21=(Dw1_h20−Du1_h20)/(√3)  (16-3)

The first excess amounts Du1_h 20, Dv1_h 20, Dw1_h 20 are 0 at the timeof the flatbed modulation in calculation. Accordingly, the calculationof the first excess amounts Du1_h 20, Dv1_h 20, Dw1_h 20 and thecalculation of the first phase conversion amounts Du1_h 21, Dv1_h 21,Dw1_h 21 are omitted. Although the process proceeds from S210 to S213 inthe present embodiment, similarly to the time of the flattop modulation,the first excess amounts Du1_h 20, Dv1_h 20, Dw1_h 20 and the firstphase conversion amounts Du1_h 21, Dv1_h 21, Dw1_h 21 may be calculated.The first excess amounts Du1_h 20, Dv1_h 20, Dw1_h 20 are as shown inFIG. 21, and the first phase conversion amounts Du1_h 21, Dv1_h 21,Dw1_h 21 are as shown in FIG. 22.

As shown in FIG. 18, the processing of S213 to S215, to which theprocess proceeds from S210 or S212, is similar to the processing of S108to S110 in FIG. 5. In S216, the excess correction unit 552 compares alower all-phase-on duty PD3 with a lower two-phase-on duty PD4, the dutyPD3 corresponding to an all-phase-on period P3 that is a period in whichall phases of the SW elements 24 to 26 are turned on at the time of theflatbed modulation, the duty PD4 corresponding to a two-phase-on periodP4 that is a period in which two phases of the SW elements 24 to 26 areturned on. The lower all-phase-on duty PD3 and the lower two-phase-onduty PD4 are expressed by Formulas (17-1), (17-2), respectively.

PD3=100−(Max D2−Min D2)  (17-1)

PD4=Max D2−MidD2  (17-2)

Similarly to S204, when the lower all-phase-on duty PD3 is compared withthe lower two-phase-on duty PD4 and the lower all-phase-on duty PD3 isnot smaller than the lower two-phase-on duty PD4, the all-phase-onperiod P3 is not shorter than the two-phase-on period P4. Hence, it isassumed that the current is detected when all phases of the SW elements24 to 26 are on as the flatbed modulation. Further, when the lowertwo-phase-on duty PD4 is larger than the lower all-phase-on duty PD3,the two-phase-on period P4 is longer than the all-phase-on period P3.Hence, it is assumed that the current is detected when two phases of theSW elements 24 to 26 are on as the flattop modulation.

When the lower all-phase-on duty PD3 is determined to be not smallerthan the lower two-phase-on duty PD4 (S216: NO), the process proceeds toS220. When the lower two-phase-on duty PD4 is determined to be largerthan the lower all-phase-on duty PD3 (S216: YES), the process proceedsto S217.

Hereinafter, detailed description of the processing of S217 to S224 isappropriately omitted since being substantially similar to theprocessing of S205 to S212. In S217, the excess correction unit 552takes a stationary phase in the second system 102 as the maximum phase.When the lower two-phase-on duty PD4 is larger than the lowerall-phase-on duty PD3, the neutral-point voltage is changed by theflattop modulation.

In S218, the excess correction unit 552 calculates second neutral-pointvoltage change values Du2_ca 21, Dv2_ca 21, Dw2_ca 21 at the time of theflattop modulation. The second neutral-point voltage change valuesDu2_ca 21, Dv2_ca 21, Dw2_ca 21 at the time of the flattop modulationare expressed by Formulas (18-1), (18-2), (18-3), respectively.

Du2_ca21=Du2−Max D2+RH2  (18-1)

Dv2_ca21=Dv2−Max D2+RH2  (18-2)

Dw2_ca21=Dw2−Max D2+RH2  (18-3)

In S219, the excess correction unit 552 limits the second neutral-pointvoltage change values Du2_ca 21, Dv2_ca 21, Dw2_ca 21 at the time of theflattop modulation so as to be within the range of the predeterminedlower limit value RL2 to the predetermined upper limit value RH2, andcalculates second upper-lower limit limitation processing values Du2_ca22, Dv2_ca 22, Dw2_ca 22 at the time of the flattop modulation.

In S220 to which the process proceeds when the lower all-phase-on dutyPD3 is determined to be not smaller than the lower two-phase-on duty PD4(S216: NO), the excess correction unit 552 takes the stationary phase inthe second system 102 as the minimum phase. When the lower all-phase-onduty PD3 is not smaller than the lower two-phase-on duty PD4, theneutral-point voltage is changed by the flatbed modulation.

In S221, the excess correction unit 552 calculates second neutral-pointvoltage change values Du2_ca 21, Dv2_ca 21, Dw2_ca 21 at the time of theflatbed modulation. The second neutral-point voltage change valuesDu2_ca 21, Dv2_ca 21, Dw2_ca 21 at the time of the flatbed modulationare expressed by Formulas (19-1), (19-2), (19-3), respectively. Thesecond neutral-point voltage change values Du2_ca 21, Dv2_ca 21, Dw2_ca21 calculated in S217 or S220 are as shown in FIG. 23.

Du2_ca21=Du2_c−Min D2+RL3  (19-1)

Dv2_ca21=Dv2_c−Min D2+RL3  (19-2)

Dw2_ca21=Dw2_c−Min D2+RL3  (19-3)

In S222, the excess correction unit 552 limits the second neutral-pointvoltage change values Du2_ca 21, Dv2_ca 21, Dw2_ca 21 at the time of theflatbed modulation so as to be within the range of the predeterminedlower limit value RL3 to the predetermined upper limit value RH3, andcalculates second upper-lower limit limitation processing values Du2_ca22, Dv2_ca 22, Dw2_ca 22 at the time of the flatbed modulation. Thesecond upper-lower limit limitation processing values Du2_ca 22, Dv2_ca22, Dw2_ca 22 calculated in S219 or S222 are as shown in FIG. 24.

In S223 to which the process proceeds from S219, the excess correctionunit 552 calculates second excess amounts Du2_h 20, Dv2_h 20, Dw2_h 20.The second excess amounts Du2_h 20, Dv2_h 20, Dw2_h 20 are amounts bywhich the second neutral-point voltage change values Du2_ca 21, Dv2_ca21, Dw2_ca 21 exceed the lower limit value RL2 or the upper limit valueRH2, and are expressed by Formulas (20-1), (20-2), (20-3), respectively.

Du2_h20=Du2_ca21−Du2_ca22  (20-1)

Dv2_h20=Dv2_ca21−Dv2_ca22  (20-2)

Dw2_h20=Dw2_ca21−Du2_ca22  (20-3)

In S224, the excess correction unit 552 calculates second phaseconversion amounts Du2_h 21, Dv2_h 21, Dw2_h 21 that are values obtainedby converting the second excess amounts Du2_h 20, Dv2_h 20, Dw2_h 20 tothe coordinate system of the first system 101 by use of a rotationmatrix. The second phase conversion amounts Du2_h 21, Dv2_h 21, Dw2_h 21can be calculated by performing the dq conversion on the second excessamounts Du2_h 20, Dv2_h 20, Dw2_h 20 in the coordinate system of thesecond system 102, and performing the reverse dq conversion on the dqconversion values in the coordinate system of the first system 101. Thesecond phase conversion amounts Du2_h 21, Dv2_h 21, Dw2_h 21 areexpressed by Formulas (21-1), (21-2), (21-3), respectively.

Du2_h21=(Du2_h20−Dw2_h20)/(√3)  (21-1)

Dv2_h21=(Dv2_h20−Du2_h20)/(√3)  (21-2)

Dw2_h21=(Dw2_h20−Dv2_h20)/(√3)  (21-3)

Similarly to the first system 101, the second excess amounts Du2_h 20,Dv2_h 20, Dw2_h 20 are 0 at the time of the flatbed modulation incalculation. Accordingly, the calculation of the second excess amountsDu2_h 20, Dv2_h 20, Dw2_h 20 and the calculation of the second phaseconversion amounts Du2_h 21, Dv2_h 21, Dw2_h 21 are omitted. Althoughthe process proceeds from S222 to S225 in the present embodiment,similarly to the time of the flattop modulation, the second excessamounts Du2_h 20, Dv2_h 20, Dw2_h 20 and the second phase conversionamounts Du2_h 21, Dv2_h 21, Dw2_h 21 may be calculated. The secondexcess amounts Du2_h 20, Dv2_h 20, Dw2_h 20 are as shown in FIG. 25, andthe second phase conversion amounts Du2_h 21, Dv2_h 21, Dw2_h 21 are asshown in FIG. 26. The processing of S210 to S212 and the processing ofS213 to S224 may be performed in the order of the processing of S213 toS224 and the processing of S210 to S212, or may be performedsimultaneously in parallel.

In S225, the excess correction unit 552 modulates the second phaseconversion amounts Du2_h 21, Dv2_h 21, Dw2_h 21 such that the secondcorrection amount for correcting the stationary phase is 0, andcalculates second correction amounts Du2_h 22, Dv2_h 22, Dw2_h 22.

When the stationary phase in the first system 101 is the U-phase, thesecond correction amounts Du2_h 22, Dv2_h 22, Dw2_h 22 are expressed byFormulas (22-1), (22-2), (22-3), respectively.

Du2_h22=0  (22-1)

Dv2_h22=Dv2_h21−Du2_h21  (22-2)

Dw2_h22=Dw2_h21−Du2_h21  (22-3)

When the stationary phase in the first system 101 is the V-phase, thesecond correction amounts Du2_h 22, Dv2_h 22, Dw2_h 22 are expressed byFormulas (23-1), (23-2), (23-3), respectively.

Du2_h22=Du2_h21−Dv2_h21  (23-1)

Dv2_h22=0  (23-2)

Dw2_h22=Dw2_h21−Dv2_h21  (23-3)

When the stationary phase in the first system 101 is the W-phase, thesecond correction amounts Du2_h 22, Dv2_h 22, Dw2_h 22 are expressed byFormulas (24-1), (24-2), (24-3), respectively.

Du2_h22=Du2_h21−Dw2_h21  (24-1)

Dv2_h22=Dv2_h21−Dw2_h21  (24-2)

Dw2_h22=0  (24-3)

The second correction amounts Du2_h 22, Dv2_h 22, Dw2_h 22 are as shownin FIG. 27.

In S226, the excess correction unit 552 corrects the first upper-lowerlimit limitation processing values Du1_ca 22, Dv1_ca 22, Dw1_ca 22 bythe second correction amounts Du2_h 22, Dv2_h 22, Dw2_h 22, to givefirst excess correction values Du1_ca 23, Dv1_ca 23, Dw1_ca 23. Thefirst excess correction values Du1_ca 23, Dv1_ca 23, Dw1_ca 23 areexpressed by Formulas (25-1), (25-2), (25-3), respectively.

Du1_ca23=Du1_ca22+Du2_h22  (25-1)

Dv1_ca23=Dv1_ca22+Dv2_h22  (25-2)

Dw1_ca23=Dw1_ca22+Dw2_h22  (25-3)

The first excess correction values Du1_ca 23, Dv1_ca 23, Dw1_ca 23 areas shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B. FIG. 28A shows the whole of the firstexcess correction values Du1_ca 23, Dv1_ca 23, Dw1_ca 23. FIG. 28B showsa modulation ratio around 0[%] in an enlarged form, and thin linesindicate the first upper-lower limit limitation processing values Du1_ca22, Dv1_ca 22, Dw1_ca 22 before corrected by the second correctionamounts Du2_h 22, Dv2_h 22, Dw2_h 22. This also applies to FIG. 30described later.

In S227, the excess correction unit 552 modulates the phase conversionamounts Du1_h 21, Dv1_h 21, Dw1_h 21 such that the first correctionamount for correcting the stationary phase is 0, and calculates firstcorrection amounts Du1_h 22, Dv1_h 22, Dw1_h 22.

When the stationary phase in the second system 102 is the U-phase, thefirst correction amounts Du1_h 22, Dv1_h 22, Dw1_h 22 are expressed byFormulas (26-1), (26-2), (26-3), respectively.

Du1_h22=0  (26-1)

Dv1_h22=Dv1_h21−Du1_h21  (26-2)

Dw1_h22=Dw1_h21−Du1_h21  (26-3)

When the stationary phase in the second system 102 is the V-phase, thefirst correction amounts Du1_h 22, Dv1_h 22, Dw1_h 22 are expressed byFormulas (27-1), (27-2), (27-3), respectively.

Du1_h22=Du1_h21−Dv1_h21  (27-1)

Dv1_h22=0  (27-2)

Dw1_h22=Dw1_h21−Dv1_h21  (27-3)

When the stationary phase in the second system 102 is the W-phase, thefirst correction amounts Du1_h 22, Dv1_h 22, Dw1_h 22 are expressed byFormulas (28-1), (28-2), (28-3), respectively.

Du1_h22=Du1_h21−Dw1_h21  (28-1)

Dv1_h22=Dv1_h21−Dw1_h21  (28-2)

Dw1_h22=0  (28-3)

The first correction amounts Du1_h 22, Dv1_h 22, Dw1_h 22 are as shownin FIG. 29.

In S228, the excess correction unit 552 corrects the second upper-lowerlimit limitation processing values Du2_ca 22, Dv2_ca 22, Dw2_ca 22 bythe first correction amounts Du1_h 22, Dv1_h 22, Dw1_h 22, to givesecond excess correction values Du2_ca 23, Dv2_ca 23, Dw2_ca 23. Thesecond excess correction values Du2_ca 23, Dv2_ca 23, Dw2_ca 23 areexpressed by Formulas (29-1), (29-2), (29-3), respectively.

Du2_ca23=Du2_ca22+Du1_h22  (29-1)

Dv2_ca23=Dv2_ca22+Dv1_h22  (29-2)

Dw2_ca23=Dw2_ca22+Dw1_h22  (29-3)

The second excess correction values Du2_ca 23, Dv2_ca 23, Dw2_ca 23 areas shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B.

In the present embodiment, the excess correction values Du1_ca 23,Dv1_ca 23, Dw1_ca 23, Du2_ca 23, Dv2_ca 23, Dw2_ca 23 are outputted tothe drive circuit 35 as the duty command values Du1, Dv1, Dw1, Du2, Dv2,Dw2.

In the present embodiment, the first inverter 10 and the second inverter20 have the high-potential-side SW elements 11 to 13, 21 to 23 and thelow-potential-side SW elements 14 to 16, 24 to 26 which are in pair forthe respective phases. The current detection units 18, 28 are providedbetween the low-potential-side SW elements 14 to 16, 24 to 26 and theground. Hence, the shunt resistors can be suitably used as the currentdetection elements 181 to 183, 281 to 283.

The excess correction unit 552 compares the all-phase-on period P1, inwhich the low-potential-side SW elements 14 to 16 of three phases areon, in which the low-potential-side switching elements 14 to 16 of twophases are on, and changes the neutral-point voltage such that thecurrent detection can be performed in the longer period. Further, theexcess correction unit 552 compares the all-phase-on period P3, in whichthe low-potential-side SW elements 24 to 26 of three phases are on, withthe two-phase-on period P4, in which the low-potential-side switchingelements 24 to 26 of two phases are on, and changes the neutral-pointvoltage such that current detection can be performed in the longerperiod. Hence, it is possible to improve the voltage utilization ratewhile enabling the current detection by the current detection units 18,28 provided on the low potential side. Further, a similar effect to thatof the first embodiment is exerted. In the present embodiment, the lowerlimit values RL2, RL3 and the upper limit values RH2, RH3 correspond tothe “limitation value.”

Third Embodiment

FIGS. 31 and 32 show a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 31, the control unit 42 of the third embodiment isdifferent from those of the first and second embodiments in that thecontrol unit 42 includes a current correction value calculation unit 56and a current correction unit 57, in addition to the three-phase totwo-phase conversion unit 51, the controller 52, the voltage limitationunit 53, the two-phase to three-phase conversion unit 54, and themodulation calculation unit 55.

In the excess correction process, in the first system 101, dutiesequivalent to the first excess amounts Du1_h 20, Dv1_h 20, Dw1_h 20 aresubtracted, and duties equivalent to the second correction amounts Du2_h22, Dv2_h 22, Dw2_h 22 in accordance with second excess amounts Du2_h20, Dv2_h 20, Dv2_h 20 are added. Further, in the second system 102,duties equivalent to the second excess amounts Du2_h 20, Dv2_h 20, Dw2_h20 are subtracted, and duties equivalent to the first correction amountsDu1_h 22, Dv1_h 22, Dw1_h 22 in accordance with first excess amountsDu1_h 20, Dv1_h 20, Dv1_h 20 are added. In the present embodiment,currents in accordance with the duties to be changed by the excesscorrection process are estimated to correct the current detection valuesIu1, Iv1, Iw1, Iu2, Iv2, Iw2.

As shown in FIG. 32, the current correction value calculation unit 56has subtractors 561, 564, voltage conversion units 562, 565, and currentestimation units 563, 566. FIG. 32 shows an example where thecalculation of the second embodiment is performed by the excesscorrection unit 552.

The first subtractor 561 subtracts the first excess amount Du1_h 20 fromthe U-phase second correction amount Du2_h 22 to calculate a first dutychange value ΔDu1. Similarly, the first subtractor 561 subtracts thefirst excess amount Dv1_h 20 from the V-phase second correction amountDv2_h 22 to calculate a first duty change value ΔDv1, and subtracts thefirst excess amount Dw1_h 20 from the W-phase second correction amountDw2_h 22 to calculate a first duty change value ΔDw1. The first dutychange values ΔDu1, ΔDv1, ΔDw1 can be taken as changed amounts by whichthe duties of the first duty conversion values Du1_c, Dv1_c, Dw1_c arechanged by the excess correction process.

The first voltage conversion unit 562 multiplies each of the first dutychange values ΔDu1, ΔDv1, ΔDw1 calculated by the first subtractor 561 by(Vb/100), to calculate first voltage change values ΔVu1, ΔVv1, ΔVw1obtained by converting the duties to voltages. The first currentestimation unit 563 estimates currents in accordance with the firstvoltage change values ΔVu1, ΔVv1, ΔVw1, to calculate first currentcorrection values CurrU1_h, CurrV1_h, CurrW1_h.

The second subtractor 564 subtracts the second excess amount Du2_h 20from the U-phase first correction amount Du1_h 22 to calculate a secondduty change value ΔDu2. Similarly, the second subtractor 564 subtractsthe second excess amount Dv2_h 20 from the V-phase first correctionamount Dv1_h 22 to calculate a second duty change value ΔDv2, andsubtracts the second excess amount Dw2_h 20 from the W-phase firstcorrection amount Dw1_h 22 to calculate a second duty change value ΔDw2.The second duty change values ΔDu2, ΔDv2, ΔDw2 can be taken as changedamounts by which the duties of the second duty conversion values Du2_c,Dv2_c, Dw2_c are changed by the excess correction process.

The second voltage conversion unit 565 multiplies each of the secondduty change values ΔDu2, ΔDv2, ΔDw2 calculated by the second subtractor564 by (Vb/100), to calculate second voltage change values ΔVu2, ΔVv2,ΔVw2 obtained by converting the duties to voltages. The second currentestimation unit 566 estimates current values in accordance with thesecond voltage change values ΔVu2, ΔVv2, ΔVw2, to calculate secondcurrent correction values CurrU2_h, CurrV2_h, CurrW2_h.

In addition, also in a case where the calculation of the firstembodiment is to be performed in the excess correction unit 552, thefirst current correction values CurrU1_h, CurrV1_h, CurrW1_h can becalculated on the basis of the second correction amounts Du2_h 11, Dv2_h11, Dw2_h 11 and the first excess amounts Du1_h 10, Dv1_h 10, Dw1_h 10.Further, the second current correction values CurrU2_h, CurrV2_h,CurrW2_h can be calculated on the basis of the first correction amountsDu1_h 11, Dv1_h 11, Dw1_h 11 and the second excess amounts Du2_h 10,Dv2_h 10, Dw2_h 10.

As shown in FIG. 31, the current correction unit 57 corrects the U1current detection value Iu1 by the current correction value CurrU1_h,corrects the V1 current detection value Iv1 by the current correctionvalue CurrV1_h, and corrects the W1 current detection value Iw1 by thecurrent correction value CurrW1_h. Further, the current correction unit57 corrects the U2 current detection value Iu2 by the current correctionvalue CurrU2_h, corrects the V2 current detection value Iv2 by thecurrent correction value CurrV2_h, and corrects the W2 current detectionvalue Iw2 by the current correction value CurrW2_h. In the presentembodiment, respectively from the current detection values Iu1, Iv1,Iw1, Iu2, Iv2, Iw2, the corresponding current correction valuesCurrU1_h, CurrV1_h, CurrW1_h, CurrU2_h, CurrV2_h, CurrW2_h aresubtracted. The current correction calculation in the current correctionunit 57 is not restricted to subtraction, but may be any form ofcalculation. The three-phase to two-phase conversion unit 51 performsthree-to-two phase conversion by use of the current detection valuesIu1, Iv1, Iw1, Iu2, Iv2, Iw2 corrected by the current correction valuesCurrU1_h, CurrV1_h, CurrW1_h, CurrU2_h, CurrV2_h, CurrW2_h.

The control unit 42 further has the current correction value calculationunit 56 and the current correction unit 57. The current correction valuecalculation unit 56 calculates the current correction values CurrU1_h,CurrV1_h, CurrW1_h, CurrU2_h, CurrV2_h, CurrW2_h in accordance withcurrents generated by the excess correction process. The currentcorrection unit 57 corrects the current detection values Iu1, Iv1, Iw1,Iu2, Iv2, Iw2 on the basis of the current correction values CurrU1_h,CurrV1_h, CurrW1_h, CurrU2_h, CurrV2_h, CurrW2_h. This enables moreappropriate calculation of the voltage command values Vu1*, Vv1*, Vw1*,Vu2*, Vv2*, Vw2*. Further, similar effects to those of the aboveembodiments are exerted.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 33 shows a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 33, a control unit 43 of the present embodiment has the three-phaseto two-phase conversion unit 51, a sum-difference conversion unit 61, acontroller 62, a system conversion unit 63, the voltage limitation unit53, the two-phase to three-phase conversion unit 54, the modulationcalculation unit 55, an excess determination unit 65, and the like. Thesum-difference conversion unit 61 converts the d-axis current detectionvalues Id1, Id2 and the q-axis current detection values Iq1, Iq2 to sumsand differences. Specifically, the sum-difference conversion unit 61calculates a d-axis current sum Id1+Id2, a d-axis current differenceId1−Id2, a q-axis current sum Iq1+Iq2, and a q-axis current differenceIq1−Iq2. As in the third embodiment, as the d-axis current detectionvalues Id1, Id2 and the q-axis current detection values Iq1, Iq2, theremay be used values on the basis of the current detection values Iu1,Iv1, Iw1, Iu2, Iv2, Iw2 corrected by the current correction valuesCurrU1_h, CurrV1_h, CurrW1_h, CurrU2_h, CurrV2_h, CurrW2_h.

The controller 62 includes a d-axis sum controller 621, a d-axisdifference controller 622, a q-axis sum controller 623, and a q-axisdifference controller 624. The d-axis sum controller 621 calculates ad-axis voltage sum command value Vd+* by PI calculation or the like onthe basis of the d-axis current sum command value Id+* and the d-axiscurrent sum Id1+Id2. The d-axis difference controller 622 calculates ad-axis voltage difference command value Vd−* by PI calculation or thelike on the basis of the d-axis current difference command value Id−*and the d-axis current difference Id1−Id2. The q-axis sum controller 623calculates a q-axis voltage sum command value Vq+* by PI calculation orthe like on the basis of the q-axis current sum command value Iq+* andthe q-axis current sum Iq1+Iq2. The q-axis difference controller 624calculates a q-axis voltage difference command value Vq−* by PIcalculation or the like on the basis of the q-axis current differencecommand value Iq−* and the q-axis current difference Iq1−Iq2. In thepresent embodiment, the current difference command values Id−*, Iq−* are0.

The system conversion unit 63 converts the voltage sum command valuesVd+*, Vq+* and the voltage difference command values Vd−*, Vq−* to thefirst pre-limitation d-axis voltage command value Vd1*_a, the firstpre-limitation q-axis voltage command value Vq1*_a, the secondpre-limitation d-axis voltage command value Vd2*_a, and the secondpre-limitation q-axis voltage command value Vq2*_a. Further, the voltagecontrol process, the excess correction process, and the like, which areperformed on the basis of the first pre-limitation d-axis voltagecommand value Vd1*_a, the first pre-limitation q-axis voltage commandvalue Vq1*_a, the second pre-limitation d-axis voltage command valueVd2*_a, and the second pre-limitation q-axis voltage command valueVq2*_a, are similar to those of the above embodiments. While either theexcess correction process of the first embodiment or that of the secondembodiment may be used, a description is given herein assuming that theexcess correction process of the second embodiment is performed.

The excess determination unit 65 determines whether the excesscorrection process is performed. When at least one of the excess amountsDu1_h 20, Dv1_h 20, Dw1_h 20, Du2_h 20, Dv2_h 20, Dw2_h 20 is not 0, itis determined that the excess correction process is being performed.Further, when all of the excess amounts Du1_h 20, Dv1_h 20, Dw1_h 20,Du2_h 20, Dv2_h 20, Dw2_h 20 are 0, it is determined that the excesscorrection is not being performed.

Whether the excess correction process is performed may be determined onthe basis of the phase conversion amounts Du1_h 21, Dv1_h 21, Dw1_h 21,Du2_h 21, Dv2_h 21, Dw2_h 21 or the correction amounts Du1_h 22, Dv1_h22, Dw1_h 22, Du2_h 22, Dv2_h 22, Dw2_h 22 in place of the excessamounts Du1_h 20, Dv1_h 20, Dw1_h 20, Du2_h 20, Dv2_h 20, Dw2_h 20. Inthe case of the excess correction process of the first embodiment, thedetermination can be performed in a similar manner as above.

The excess determination unit 65 may determine that the excesscorrection is being performed when voltages applied to the winding sets81, 82 are larger than a voltage determination threshold. The “voltagesapplied to the winding sets 81, 82” may be voltage command values in therespective calculation processes of the voltage command values Vd1*_a,Vq1*_a, Vd2*_a, Vq2*_a, and the like before limitation by the voltagelimitation unit 53, or may be actual voltages that are actually appliedto the winding sets 81, 82. Further, the excess determination unit 65determines that the excess correction is being performed when a rotatingspeed of the motor 80 is larger than a rotating speed determinationthreshold. The determination result is outputted to the d-axisdifference controller 622 and the q-axis difference controller 624. Whendetermining that the excess correction is being performed, thedifference controllers 622, 624 lower the control responsiveness. It isto be noted that switching off the control of the difference controllers622, 624 is also included in the concept of “lowering theresponsiveness.”

The first voltage command values Vu1*, Vv1*, Vw1* and the second voltageconversion values Vu2*, Vv2*, Vw2* are calculated using the sumcontrollers 621, 623 for controlling a sum of currents flowing in thefirst winding set 81 and the second winding set 82, and the differencecontrollers 622, 624 for controlling a difference between currentflowing in the first winding set 81 and current flowing in the secondwinding set 82. When the excess correction process is performed, thedifference controllers 622, 624 make the responsiveness lower than whenthe excess correction process is not performed.

In the present embodiment, a command voltage is calculated bycontrolling the sum and difference, thereby enabling reduction ininfluences of a temperature change, a variation between elements, andthe like. Further, when the excess correction is being performed, thedifference control responsiveness is suppressed to avoid a poorcondition of the difference control at the time of excess correction,thereby enabling appropriate reduction in torque ripple. Further,similar effects to those of the above embodiments are exerted.

Other Embodiments

(I) First Voltage Command Corresponding Value, Second Voltage CommandCorresponding Value

In the embodiments, the first neutral-point voltage change valuecorresponds to the first voltage command corresponding value, and thesecond neutral-point voltage change value corresponds to the secondvoltage command corresponding value. In another embodiment, each of thefirst voltage command corresponding value and the second voltage commandcorresponding value is not restricted to the neutral-point voltagechange value, but may be a voltage command value itself. That is, theexcess correction process may be performed using a voltage command valuebefore duty conversion. Further, each of the first voltage commandcorresponding value and the second voltage command corresponding valuemay be a value other than the neutral-point voltage change valuecalculated on the basis of a voltage command value such as a dutyconversion value. Moreover, the value used for the excess correctionprocess is not restricted to a value in the three-phase coordinatesystem, but may be a value in another coordinate system.

(II) Current Detection Unit

In the second embodiment, the current detection unit is provided betweenthe low-potential-side switching element and the ground. In anotherembodiment, the current detection element disposed on the low potentialside may be any element capable of current detection, such as a hallelement, in place of the shunt resistor. Further, the current detectionelement may be disposed in any place capable of detecting a phasecurrent, such as the high potential side of the high-potential-sideswitching element. Moreover, it is desirable to appropriately set thelimitation value in accordance with the current detection element aswell as the place where the current detection element is disposed.

In the above embodiments, each of the first voltage command value andthe second voltage command value is calculated by the current feedbackcontrol on the basis of the current detection value. In anotherembodiment, each of the first voltage command value and the secondvoltage command value may be calculated not by using the currentdetection value, but by performing feed-forward control from an electricangle, the number of rotation, or the like, for example. In this case,the current detection unit may be omitted.

(III) Excess Correction Unit

In the above embodiments, the excess correction unit performs the excesscorrection process on the first neutral-point voltage change value andthe second neutral-point voltage change value that are values obtainedby changing the neutral-point voltage. In another embodiment, the excesscorrection unit may perform the excess correction process withoutchanging the neutral-point voltage.

(IV) Voltage Limitation Unit

In the above embodiments, when the pre-limitation voltage vector islarger than the amplitude limitation value, the q-axis component ischanged to limit the voltage command value such that the voltage commandvalue becomes the amplitude limitation value. In another embodiment, thevoltage command value may be limited so as to be not larger than theamplitude limitation value by any method such as controlling both thed-axis component and the q-axis component, instead of changing theq-axis component.

(V) Electric Rotary Machine

In the above embodiments, the winding sets of the electric rotarymachine are disposed with the phases displaced by 30[°]. In anotherembodiment, the phase difference between the winding sets is notrestricted to 30[°], but may be any degrees. Further, the conductionphase difference is not restricted to 30[°], either, and may be anydegrees other than OH. The electric rotary machine is used for theelectric power steering device. In another embodiment, the electricrotary machine may be applied to an on-board device other than theelectric power steering device, or may be applied to an off boarddevice. Further, the electric rotary machine is not restricted to themotor, but may be a generator, or a so-called motor generator that hascombined functions of an electric motor and a generator. In the above,the present disclosure is not restricted to any of the aboveembodiments, and can be implemented in a variety of forms in a scope notdeviating from the gist of the disclosure.

It is noted that a flowchart or the processing of the flowchart in thepresent application includes sections (also referred to as steps), eachof which is represented, for instance, as S101. Further, each sectioncan be divided into several sub-sections while several sections can becombined into a single section. Furthermore, each of thus configuredsections can be also referred to as a device, module, or means.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference toembodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the disclosure is notlimited to the embodiments and constructions. The present disclosure isintended to cover various modification and equivalent arrangements. Inaddition, while the various combinations and configurations, othercombinations and configurations, including more, less or only a singleelement, are also within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power converter for converting electric powerof a three-phase electric rotary machine including a first winding setand a second winding set, the power converter comprising: a firstinverter corresponding to the first winding set; a second invertercorresponding to the second winding set; and a control unit including acommand calculation unit that calculates a first voltage command valuerelated to a voltage to be applied to the first winding set and a secondvoltage command value related to a voltage to be applied to the secondwinding set, and an excess correction unit performing an excesscorrection process when one of a first voltage command correspondingvalue or a second voltage command corresponding value exceeds alimitation value, which is set in accordance with a voltage capable ofbeing outputted, wherein: the first voltage command corresponding valuecorresponds to the first voltage command value, and the second voltagecommand corresponding value corresponds to the second voltage commandvalue; the first winding set and the second winding set have a phasedifference of 30 degrees so that an angle of a voltage peak in the firstwinding set is different from an angle of a voltage peak in the secondwinding set; in the excess correction process, the excess correctionunit calculates an excess amount, which is an amount of the firstvoltage command corresponding value that exceeds the limitation value;the excess correction unit compensates the second voltage commandcorresponding value with a compensation amount; and a d-q axisconversion value of the excess amount is a same as a d-q axis conversionvalue of the compensation amount.
 2. The power converter according toclaim 1, wherein: the excess correction unit performs the excesscorrection process on the first voltage command corresponding value andthe second voltage command corresponding value, of which a neutral-pointvoltage is changed.
 3. The power converter according to claim 2,wherein: the neutral-point voltage is a maximum voltage of the firstvoltage command corresponding value or the second voltage commandcorresponding value; and the excess correction unit subtracts theneutral-point voltage from the first voltage command corresponding valueor the second voltage command corresponding value.
 4. The powerconverter according to claim 2, wherein: the neutral-point voltage is aminimum voltage of the first voltage command corresponding value or thesecond voltage command corresponding value; and the excess correctionunit subtracts the neutral-point voltage from the first voltage commandcorresponding value or the second voltage command corresponding value.5. The power converter according to claim 2, wherein: the neutral-pointvoltage is a half of a middle voltage of the first voltage commandcorresponding value or the second voltage command corresponding value;and the excess correction unit subtracts the neutral-point voltage fromthe first voltage command corresponding value or the second voltagecommand corresponding value.